TW Blog :: Archives for April 2004

Latest Google Features

Relates to SEO

Just picked up on a couple of new features added to Google in its attempt to maintain dominance in a rapidly evolving search engine market.

1. Adding to Google's current range of Advanced Operators, the Numrange allows the user to define a range of numbers to look for in the search criteria. All that is required is two periods between the numbers - 100..200. Seems to provide a mixed level of success looking up products in a particular price range.
2. Clearly in a first step towards a more personalised search engine, Google Personlized Beta allows the user to tailor results by setting preferences. The search results provide a user controlled degree of customisation, based on user preferences, via a slider. Ok this is a beta still, but certainly represents an interesting concept if it comes to fruition and can perform as intended. The FAQ gives some pointers to effective working examples.
3. Web Alerts Beta offers daily or weekly announcements (by email) of new information matching the user's chosen keywords. This offers some obvious benefits for tracking competitors and SEO in general. I wonder if this service will remain free once the official version is released?

With talk of Longhorn integrating personal data collection for use by the MSN search engine, Yahoo attempting to provide tailored information, and the emergence of new engines like Eurekster with a major emphasis on personalized results and social networks, a more personalised experience seems to be a major objective for the big players now.

Posted on Sunday, Apr 04, 2004 at 19:39:04.